Frequently Asked Questions
At Andaman Beach Travels, we believe that every traveller's needs are different and that every holiday has a unique purpose. We recognize that you are looking for the perfect getaway and that an ideal holiday requires a reasonable bit of planning. It is therefore completely understandable that you have a number of questions regarding the Andaman's as a destination, the ANDAMAN BEACH TRAVELS itself, its facilities and the services you can expect. Trust that these questions will be a useful resource in planning you Andaman vacation.
1. How do I reach the Andaman Islands?
To get to the Andamans Islands, foreign nationals will first need to fly into mainland India. The best points of entry would be either Chennai or Kolkata as they are connected by several daily flights as well as by ship on fixed schedules to Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman's Islands. Indian Nationals or residents of India can simply fly into Port Blair via either Chennai or Kolkata. Flight fares to Port Blair from the mainland are cheaper when booked well ahead. Ships to Port Blair ply only on fixed schedules from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam and tickets must be purchased well in advance. The journey (3 days) can be monotonous as the ships have minimal facilities and are not luxurious to say the least. You can view detailed information on making your way to the Andaman Islands in below.
GETTING TO AND FROM PORT BLAIR BY AIR:
There are no direct international flights that arrive in Port Blair currently and hence the easiest way for overseas tourists is to book an international flight that arrives in Chennai or Kolkata, India. Daily flights are operated by Air India as well as Jet Airways, Go Air too has daily regular flights into Port Blair from Kolkata and Chennai. The flying time is approximately 2 hours all flights land at the Vir Savarkar airport in Port Blair. Flight tickets can be purchased online through the following sites.
- Jet Airways - www.jetairways.com
- Air India - www.airindia.in
- Go Air - www.goair.in
- Spice Jet - www.spicejet.in
When you arrive in Port Blair, don't expect a huge airport with posh lounges and duty free shopping. The Veer Savarkar airport is small and its facilities are very minimal. Numerous taxis and auto rickshaws are available as you exit the terminal to take you to your hotel or ferry boarding point. Ensure you agree on a price before hand to avoid long arguments.
You could also avail our transfer service to ensure a seamless holiday. Simply call @91-9474262390 or send an email to [email protected] and we will be happy to assist you.
FLIGHT SCHEDULE TO & FROM PORT BLAIR
Please note that the flight timings listed below are subject to change without notice. Do recheck with the airline/agent at the time of booking.
Source | Destination | Flight | Flight .No | Departs | Arrives |
ARRIVAL FLIGHTS - CHENNAI | |||||
Chennai | Port Blair | Air India | AI-549 | 500 | 710 |
Chennai | Port Blair | Go Air | G8-301 | 815 | 1030 |
Chennai | Port Blair | Jet Konnect | 9W-613 | 1015 | 1225 |
Chennai | Port Blair | Spice Jet | SG-917 | 1020 | 1235 |
ARRIVAL FLIGHTS - BHUBANESWAR | |||||
Bhubaneswar | Port Blair | Bhubaneswar | AI- 9601 | 820 | 1020 |
ARRIVAL FLIGHTS - NEW DELHI | |||||
New Delhi | Port Blair (1 stop) | JetLite | 9W -2289 | 640 | 1135 |
New Delhi | Port Blair (1 stop) | Go Air | 9W -2289 | 615 | 1110 |
New Delhi | Port Blair (1 stop) | Air India | AI- 9601 | 550 | 1020 |
ARRIVAL FLIGHTS - KOLKATA | |||||
Kolkata | Port Blair | Air India | AI -787 | 530 | 735 |
Kolkata | Port Blair | Go Air | G8- 101 | 855 | 1110 |
Kolkata | Port Blair | Jet Konnect | S2 -3289 | 930 | 1135 |
Kolkata | Port Blair | Spice Jet | SG-104 | 1120 | 1320 |
ARRIVAL FLIGHTS - MUMBAI | |||||
Mumbai | Port Blair | Go Air | G8-301 | 550 | 1030 |
Mumbai | Port Blair | Spice Jet | SG- 291/917 | 605 | 1235 |
GETTING TO PORT BLAIR BY SEA
Although the ship is an option for travellers on a low budget and without time constraints, we recommend flying into the Andaman's. With the flight connections being reliable and inexpensive for those planning well in advance, getting to Port Blair by sea is only recommended for those either on an absolute shoe string budget or for those with extremely strong stomachs. The greater convenience and comfort of the flights justifies spending the extra money.
Ships ply between the mainland and Port Blair, with departures from Kolkata, Visakhapatnam and Chennai. Tickets for the ships must be booked in advance and the 3-day journey can be difficult and arduous given the basic amenities on board..
For ship schedules to the Andaman's visit www.and.nic.in/spsch/sailing.htm or call +91-22-2202 2431 +91-22-2202 2431.
IMPORTANT MUST READ INFORMATION FOR ALL TOURISTS VISITING ANDAMAN ISLAND
Please keep in mind the following when planning your Andaman holiday.
Ferry timings from Havelock to Port Blair do not correlate with flight timings to mainland India, all tourists therefore must spend the last night in Port Blair. There is unfortunately no way around this.
It will be our pleasure to book you into a nice hotel room for this last night depending on your requirements and budget. Do contact us for the recommended Port Blair hotel list.
All foreign nationals must have a valid Indian Visa to enter Port Blair.
All foreign nationals must ensure that their India Visa does NOT have a stamp that reads "Not valid for restricted areas" on it. Please contact the issuing visa authority before you travel and have a new visa issued to you in the event that it does have such a stamp. Should your visa have this stamp, you will be denied entry to the Andaman Islands.
On arrival, all foreign nationals are issued a Restricted Area Permit free of cost at the airport or port. The procedure is simple and takes about 20 minutes. The permit will allow you to stay for a period of 30 days only. This validity can be further extended in Port Blair or Havelock closer to the date of expiry by an additional 15 days provided you have proof of a return ticket. No further extensions are possible.
Foreign nationals wishing to stay longer must fly to mainland India and back to the islands again.
Indian Nationals do not require a passport or any special permit to visit the Andaman Islands. There is also no restriction on the duration of stay on the islands.
2. When is a good time to visit the islands?
In the Andamans, the main tourist season is between October and mid-May and the absolute peak season being December to March.
The months of June, July, August and September are considered as the rainy season. Rain peaks in June and July and one could get pleasant weather in August and September with a little luck.
As the Andamans are tropical islands, it is difficult to predict the rains and hence tourists should be prepared for light showers even in the months of November or December.
For guests visiting these islands primarily for water sports such as scuba diving and snorkeling, October to March is considered the best time to visit as the wind dies down leaving the seas absolutely calm and flat. Visibility is also at its very best during this time making water sports truly enjoyable.
3. What are the things most people do when they visit the Andamans?
If you are looking for a holiday that is only about the sun, sand and the sea or relaxation, rejuvenation and water sports, then it is recommended that you head straight for Havelock Island and skip Port Blair altogether. (Do note however that on the return leg, as the ferry timings and the flight timings do not correlate, all tourists must spend the last night in Port Blair).
However for those holiday makers looking to also get a feel of the islands and visit important tourist attractions, it is worth spending a day or 2 in Port Blair taking in the various attractions like Cellular Jail, Ross Island, North Bay Island, Jolly Buoy & Baratang Island etc as well as exploring the areas easily accessible from Port Blair like Wandoor.
Travellers seeking adventure and willing to rough it out can visit islands like Baratang, Neil and Long Island. However the facilities here are very basic with resorts either being Government guest houses or backpacker shacks. The Andaman's are enjoyable for every kind of tourist and on these Islands you can practise the art of doing absolutely nothing or fill your day with an array of activities.
4. Any important points to consider when planning my trip?
Listed below are a few important considerations when planning a trip to the Emerald Isles.
All foreign passports must be valid of a minimum duration of 6 months.
All foreign nationals must have a valid Indian Visa to enter Port Blair.
Ferry timings from Havelock to Port Blair do not correlate with flight timings to mainland India, all tourists therefore must spend the last night in Port Blair. There is unfortunately no way around this.
All foreign nationals must ensure that their India Visa does NOT have a stamp that reads "Not valid for restricted areas" on it as these Islands fall under restricted zone laws. Should your visa have such a stamp, please contact the issuing visa authority before you travel and have a new visa issued to you as you will be denied entry to the Andaman Islands if you were to arrive with this stamp.
On arrival, all foreign nationals are issued a Restricted Area Permit free of cost at the airport or port. The procedure is simple and takes about 20 minutes. The permit will allow you to stay for a period of 30 days only. This validity can be further extended in Port Blair or Havelock closer to the date of expiry by an additional 15 days provided you have proof of a return ticket. No further extensions are possible.
Foreign nationals wishing to stay longer must fly to mainland India and back to the islands again.
Although on Indian Standard Time, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have an early sunrise and sunset. Sunrise here is usually between 0500hrs and 0530hrs and the sunset is at 1730hrs. It gets light very early here and dark very soon, so to make the best of the day it is advised to rise early.
Ferries from Port Blair to other islands are very regular; however there are occasions when bad weather or mechanical trouble can cause them to be cancelled.
5. Do I need a special visa/ Restricted Area Permit to enter the Andaman Islands? What about Havelock?
Indian passport holders do not require a permit to visit and stay in the populated areas of Andaman Islands, including Havelock Island. However Indians are not allowed entry to the Nicobar chain of Islands.
All foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) over and above an Indian Visa to enter the Andaman Islands. The Indian Visa is to be obtained in your country of residence prior to arrival in India. All foreign nationals must ensure that their India Visa does NOT have a stamp that reads "Not valid for restricted areas" on it as these Islands fall under restricted zone laws. Should your visa have such a stamp, please contact the issuing visa authority before you travel and have a new visa issued to you as you will be denied entry to the Andaman Islands.
On arrival, all foreign nationals are issued a Restricted Area Permit free of cost at the airport or port. The procedure is simple and takes about 20 minutes. The permit will allow you to stay for a period of 30 days only. This validity can be further extended in Port Blair or Havelock closer to the date of expiry by an additional 15 days provided you have proof of a return ticket. No further extensions are possible.
Foreigners holding a valid entry permit into the Andaman Islands are allowed to visit and stay at municipal areas of Port Blair, Havelock, Long island, Neil island, the islands of South Andaman and Middle Andaman (excluding tribal reserved area - 5kms away from Constance bay to Luis Inlet bay - western coast tribal reserve), Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur, North Passage Island, Little Andaman (excluding tribal reserve) and all islands in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park except Boat Island, Hobday island, Twins islands, Tarmugli, Malay and Pluto island. Tourists can also visit Jolly Buoy island, South Cinque island, Redskin island, Mount Harriet, Madhuban, Ross island, Narcondam island, Interview island, Brother & Sister islands and Barren island during the day. (Visit to Barren island is restricted on board the vessel with no landing ashore).
Do note that the Restricted Area Permit is issued on arrival and is a process by the Immigration department and no one can assist you in getting the same. In case of any complications, you will need to sort it out with the Immigration authorities.
6. What can I see or do in Port Blair?
Port Blair is busy town that almost does not resemble an island. In fact it does not have a beach within city limits. Although one can drive out from Port Blair to some nice beaches, most travellers in Port Blair visit the monuments and historical attractions.
7. What is the electricity & water supply in the Andaman Islands like?
The whole of India has standard 220volts with sockets that are a mix of three-pin (round pins) and two-pin (round pins). To avoid trouble we suggest guests bring at least one travel adapter with them.
Water is an important depleting resource on the Islands. However guests are requested not to waste water and take steps to conserve this resource as far as possible.
8. What type of food should I expect in the Andaman Islands?
Being an island, seafood is of course on the top of the list. Of the various varieties of fish available, trevally, barracuda, king fish, snappers, crabs, prawns, lobsters and shrimps are the most popular. However most of the fish caught is exported and as a result seafood demand exceeds its supply making it slightly more expensive than one would expect on an island.
Apart from seafood, North Indian, South Indian and Continental fare too are available and vegetarians will have no problem at all.
9. What are the common festivals of the local population?
Almost all festivals celebrated on mainland India are celebrated with the same amount of pomp in the Andaman Islands. A few important ones are Holi, Diwali, Christmas, Eid and Easter. However owing to the Bengali population on these islands, the festival of 'Durga Pooja' is a special one and reigns as the king of all festivals here.
10. What behaviour & etiquette can I expect from the locals?
The Andaman Islands is a very relaxed place with simple rules. Act with respect and decorum, dress appropriately (especially away from the beach), and always ask permission before taking photographs of the local population.
A beach destination does not mean that the locals are used to seeing women in revealing swim wear. Please be sensitive to the traditions of the locals and cover up when in areas where locals are present like jetty areas and village markets.
Having said that, we would like to stress that the Andaman's is a remote place and although the people are casual, one should not expect the kind of comfort or the level of service that is expected of a hotel/resort in mainland India.
11. Is the currency in the Andaman Islands the Indian Rupee or is it different?
The currency of India and the Andaman Islands too is the Indian Rupee.
12. How common are ATM's and money changers in Port Blair & Havelock? Can I use credit and debit cards on the Islands?
Port Blair has numerous ATM's and Havelock Island too has 2 ATM's. Most other islands do not have ATM's at all. Please carry sufficient cash with you to pay your bills.
It is possible to change all major currencies in India; however in the Andamans it is currently possible only in Port Blair. You are advised to go through official banks or authorized money changers. Please do note that the rates in Port Blair for changing of foreign currency will not be as good as on mainland India.
It is currently not possible to change foreign currency on any of the other islands, including Havelock.
Credit Cards (MasterCard and Visa) are not widely accepted in the Andaman's, except for larger hotels and resorts and some diving facilities. You will most likely be hit with a surcharge of about 3% and both your passport and your credit card will get photocopied to submit to the bank as all transactions are done offline. Do note that most establishments do not accept American Express cards and debit cards are not accepted at all on all islands with the exception of Port Blair.
13. What is the climate & weather to be like in the Andaman Islands?
The Andaman Islands, like other parts of the Andaman Sea enjoy a tropical climate throughout the year. The average minimum temperature is around 23oC and it seldom goes much above 30oC.
Humidity is relatively high at about 70% to 90%, however with a gentle breeze blowing most the time it is still quite pleasant. One can expect some rainfall towards the end of May before the monsoon season, June and July. There is some rain on and off right through to November, which has a charm of its own and keep the islands lush and green.
Average Precipitation- Number of years on Record: 123 years of rainfall YEAR Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Cm 293 4 2 1 6 36 48 40 40 46 29 22 15 The southwest monsoon showers are over by September and the weather presents an interesting mix of rain and sun. The island is lush, beautiful and arguably at its most vibrant in October and November. However, there remains the potential of rain in end November or early December as the Northeast winds blow briefly through the islands. The weather is normally very nice in December and January. Although sunny, it is still pleasant and night time temperatures are cool. In fact a light jacket or full sleeve shirt may be required in the evenings. In February and March the weather begins turning gradually warmer and the sea and sky both are at their bluest and clearest in the period. Summer comes with April and continues through the first half of May, with daytime temperatures reaching 36 centigrade, but cooler in the shade. The Southwest Monsoon normally arrives in the second half of May and continues through June and July and eases off after August/September.
14. Is there a dress code to follow in the Andaman Islands?
There is no specific dress code in the Islands, however tourists are advised to be sensitive to the local culture and avoid wearing bathing suits while away from the beach areas especially in and around the village markets. There are no nude beaches in the Andaman Islands and nude sun bathing/swimming is not recommended at all, even if you believe that no one is watching you. This unnecessary 'skin show' is not just disrespectful to the local culture but also invites stares and possible lewd comments.
At all tourist resorts shorts and t-shirts are perfectly acceptable. This is also appropriate at night, though "smart casual" is preferred and more appropriate in some resorts. Carry flip flops for your comfort and when going for excursions always carry a towel and extra change of clothes. Sticking to cool cottons helps avoid a heat rash that is common in tropical regions.
In the evening mosquitoes do come. Wearing something light with long sleeves and light trousers is recommended. Carry a good mosquito repellent at all times. The mosquito menace is only there during dusk and then reduces considerably.
Travellers are expected to dress conservatively when visiting temples, shrines and mosques. It is advised that tourists cover their shoulders and wear dresses or trousers below the knee level and remember to take off their shoes before entering.
15. Are there any health precautions I should consider?
Due to the fact that the islands are remote and have a low population, health services are fairly poor on most islands including Havelock. Port Blair has the best equipped hospital in the Andamans, although it is not comparable with the excellent health care available on the mainland.
Tourists are advised to bring the medication they need as not all medicines are freely available on the islands. Although most islands have a small pharmacy, foreign nationals will be unfamiliar with the names of the Indian drugs and not all drugs may be available at that given time.
India is officially a country that poses a malarial risk. However on Havelock, till date there are no reported cases at all. Malaria is however present in most other islands including Port Blair and the Wandoor area. Travellers are advised to check with their doctors and decide if any anti malarial medication should be taken prior to entering the islands as a precaution. We also advise that vaccinations are kept current and check prior to your visit.
For divers, it is noteworthy that currently there is no recompression chamber on the islands. Although there are plans for one to be opened in the near future, it is yet to become a reality. Hence all dives are planned and executed keeping conservative dive profiles.
Sensible preventive measures like keeping well hydrated, wearing a good sun block, consuming only safe drinking water, wearing breathable fabrics like cotton will ensure that you stay cool and prevent the heat from getting to you.
Should you injure yourself, please attend to it immediately by consulting a doctor and/or take antibiotics as well as apply an antiseptic cream regularly. Given the high humidity levels, it is easy for infections to set in.
16. Does the Andamans have any religious stance?
The Andamans does not have any religious stance and the population here is a good mix of various religions. The Hindu festivals tend to be celebrated with more pomp and festivities here, however during Christmas time you will see bright colourful stars, little golden bells, pretty little angels and various other X-Mas decorations available all over the village markets. Processions complete with Santa and his followers too are not uncommon.
India in itself has a very mixed religious history and a reputation for religious tolerance. Hinduism is by far the most popular religion in the islands followed by Christianity and then Islam. Other religions actively practised in India include Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism.
17. What time zone do the Andaman Islands lie in?
The whole of India falls under the same time zone so the local time is GMT + 51/2 hours throughout the country, year round. However, as the Andamans are geographically closer to Thailand than India, life in the Andamans begins a little earlier in the day. The sunrise is usually at about 05:30 am and the sun sets early here at 5:00 pm. To get the most of your holiday it is recommended that you get an early start.
18. Is the postal service in the Andaman's reliable?
Although the Indian postal services on mainland India have a dependable reputation both for domestic as well as international postage services, the same cannot be said for the Andaman Islands. Many travellers have had problems with their parcels and postcards not reaching their destination. Tourists are hence advised to avoid sending or receiving post/parcels while in the Andaman's and it is recommended to wait until they are back on the mainland where services can be relied upon.
19. Are international calls and accessing the internet a problem on the islands?
On almost all islands, International dialling is available from most major hotels (in Port Blair only) and ISD booths are available in the markets as well.
To make an international call, dial 001 + the country code + the area code + the phone number you are trying to reach.. Services tend to be very reliable and inexpensive. However during the monsoon season it is not uncommon for fixed lines in the market areas to be down or of bad call quality.
Excellent mobile connectivity is available in Port Blair and in some parts of Havelock however as you travel to the other Islands, you may find that it is either completely absent or present but not excellent. Networks currently available here are BSNL, Airtel and Vodafone.
Internet is available on Havelock and Port Blair. While connectivity in Port Blair is fairly good with fast connections, on Havelock the internet is reputed to be very slow as most are on dial up connections. Large downloads are almost impossible. Some resorts offer satellite internet which is faster however much more expensive. Many islands have no internet facilities at all.
20. Is there anything special to buy that I should budget for in Havelock or the Andaman's?
The Andaman's although geographically close to the destination of Thailand, is nothing like it when it comes to shopping. Owing to the fact that tourism is still fairly new to these islands, you will not see any shopping malls or duty free shops. This is definitely not a bargain shopper's paradise nor is it a fashion capital like Milan.
Locally produced handicrafts and souvenirs are available in Aberdeen Bazaar, Port Blair as well as in "Sagarika" - an outlet of the Cottage Industries. In Havelock there is a jewellery shops that deal with hand-made coconut jewellery and coconut decorative art in the No.3 Village market that is worth checking out for take home gifts. The majority of the shops here sell clothes and bags that are brought in from the mainland.
Andaman Beach Resort has its own little souvenir shop within the Port Blair Office. This little boutique is stocked with some funky Andaman Island T shirts for adults as well as children, some best kind of Sea Shell items and Handicraft items.
21. What's the crime rate like on the islands?
There is no real organised crime on the islands. As in almost all countries and tourist areas, Simple precautions will go a long way in your safety, so don't leave your bag or camera equipment and mobile phones unattended and do not flash wads of money around.
Many hotels offer safety deposit lockers in the rooms or offer to keep your valuables in their locker safely. In both cases please ensure that you make a list of the items you are storing and the count the money well before handing it over. It is highly advisable that if requesting the resort to safeguard your valuable in their locker, you ensure that a person from the management cross checks your list before you hand the items over to avoid misunderstandings at a later stage.
If you do encounter any problems, there is a police station on all islands where a complaint can be lodged or help can be sought. Locals too are generally helpful.
22. Can I rent a bicycle, motorbike or a car in see Havelock and Port Blair?
Bicycles can be rented from the market area in Port Blair as well as Havelock; however on other islands it is currently not possible. Charges are on a per day basis. These bicycles are very basic models so don't expect high quality geared bikes or mountain terrain bikes that you can do stunts on.
You can easily rent a motorbike for the duration of your stay as well. You can choose between the non-geared and the geared motorbikes and scooters. The shops that rent these motorbikes usually have signs posted in front and will require you to have a license that you can show them before taking the bike on rent. Charges vary and are on a per day basis. Fuel is additional and can be procured in the market area. There are no petrol pumps on Havelock, so don't look for one. Petrol reaches the island in cans from the mainland and the general stores are the ones that sell it by the litre.
Please remember to carry your license with you at all times as you could be stopped by police personnel for a sudden check. Wearing a helmet is mandatory (not enough to just carry one) and comes with the bike rental. Police stop tourists that do not have a helmet on and if you are caught a fine will be imposed on you.
Cars cannot be rented for self driving purposes anywhere in the Andaman's, although taxi services are available for short distances as well as day hire.
23. Is it true that there are sand flies in the Andaman's?
It is true that some beaches in the Andaman's do have sand flies. Sand flies usually come out at dusk or when it rains, so avoid standing on the beach at this time. It would be wise to carry a good strong insect repellent as part of your beach bag. Attend to sand fly bites immediately, avoid scratching them, keep them dry and ensure that they do not get infected.
24. Can you briefly explain about the flora & fauna of the Islands?
Thanks to the dense rain forest canopy, the islands harbour over 3,000 species of plants including mangroves, epiphytes, palms, woody limbers, timbers and a wide variety of tropical fruits. The marine fauna is diverse showcasing a wide variety of tropical fish and coral. In view of the diversity and uniqueness of the fauna and flora and the fragile nature of the eco-system here, 96 sanctuaries spread and nine National Parks spread have been notified on these islands.
According to the island's environmental team, most are bio-diversity hotspots, with more than a quarter of the flora and fauna endemic (only found in Andaman's). Four of the world's seven species of sea turtles nest on these beaches including the endangered leatherback turtle and the sea grass supports rare dugongs. Also found are giant monitor lizards and salt water crocodiles which inhabit the extensive mangrove swamps.
While travelling to these islands, be a responsible traveller- sensitive to issues related to the physical environment, the wonderful beaches, fascinating rain forests and marine life.
25. Are there endangered tribes in the Andaman's? Can I meet them?
It is true that till date untouched and endangered tribes do exist in these beautiful isles and add to their mysterious nature. It is prohibited and against the law as well to enter the tribal reserves, make contact with or photograph the tribes. Should anyone offer you a trip to meet the tribals here, please refrain from doing so. Respect the fact that these tribes wish to be left alone and adhere to the law. You can however visit the Anthropological Museum in Port Blair where you can see a display of their tools and weapons as well as photographs depicting their lives and culture.
The indigenous tribes are distinguished in two groups: the Onge, Sentinelese, Jarawa and Andamanese of Negroid descent living on the Andaman Islands and the Shompen and Nicobarese of Mongoloid descent living in the Nicobar Islands.
The Sentinels are the least studied tribe still living in isolation on the North Sentinel Island. Their number is estimated currently at 250. Living in complete isolation for many centuries, the Sentinels are not clothed while the Jarawa use only adornments of bark and shell, like necklaces, arm bands, waist bands, etc.
Most of the tribes are on the verge of extinction. This sad destiny will most likely hit the Andamanese tribe first since their numbers in some cases are as low as thirty. Due to consistent emphasis of the government on progress and its encouragement to the mainlanders to settle in these islands, the local tribes have sadly become a minority group in their own land.
26. Can I expect any nightlife in Andaman's?
The Andaman's is a quiet destination and most travellers are of the early to bed and early to rise theory. Although many hotels in Port Blair as well as Havelock resort offer a bar, the night life concept has not really caught on in these islands. You will not encounter loud music, disco lights, DJ's or rave parties here on a regular basis.
An exception however is during Christmas and New Year, where on popular islands like Havelock and Neil you will find parties going late into the night, loud music and a lot of dancing.
27. Is imported alcohol available on the Islands?
The alcohol permits valid in Andaman allow alcohol to be purchased or sourced only from ANIIDO, which is the local supply arm of the Andaman administration. In compliance of these regulations, we can only purchase the liquor brands available from them. ANIDCO does not stock imported wines or liquor. Although we would like to stock up on your favourites, regretfully we can only serve Indian wines and IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor). The stock of brands keep changing based on the supply as approved by ANIIDCO. (Andaman Nicobar Islands Integrated Development corporations.)
Black Label, Black & White, Bacardi, Smirnoff and Kingfisher beer are some of the brands that are available easily. As far as wine is concerned, Indian brands like "Sula" & "Zingi" are available.
28. How expensive are meals in Andaman?
With the rise in tourism, many new independent restaurants and resorts have sprung up all over the Andaman Islands. Hence it is rather difficult to address this question. The cost of an average meal completely depends on where you are eating it and what you have chosen to eat. Eating at the local village market will be much cheaper and most islands have a number of small eateries run by locals that work out easy on the pocket. A nice quant restaurant sit down meal will cost between Rs.350 to Rs.450 per head and more luxury resorts restaurants will cost Rs.450 to Rs.650 per meal.
Despite what one might expect, sea food is more expensive in the Andaman's compared to the mainland due to heavy demand and less supply. The price of a meal depends entirely on where you eat and what you order. A nice quaint restaurant will cost you between Rs.300 to Rs.500 per person depending on what type of sea food is ordered.
29. What if I need a doctor in case of a medical emergency?
Most Islands (including Havelock) have a Primary Health Centre (PHC); however services here can be limited and poor when compared to the excellent health care that is available on the mainland. It is advisable to go to the nearest PHC first for immediate assistance/first aid and as soon as possible move to the G.B Pant hospital in Port Blair which is the best equipped hospital in the Andaman Islands.
Do note that the only means of transport from islands like Havelock to Port Blair is by the regular ferry services which has fixed sailings times and nothing can be arranged on a immediate basis unless it coincides with departure of a ferry.
At the G.B. Pant hospital in Port Blair, the treatment facilities are not exceptional and for any condition that could be serious, life threatening or needing special care, it is advised to fly to mainland India.
30. Are there any dangerous animals in the Andaman's?
Although the tropical forests and dense foliage may lead you to easily believe that wild animals inhabit these forests, do not come here to see big cats like lions or tigers as they simply do not exist. The forests here are inhabited by animals like wild boar, spotted deer, civet cat as well as numerous species of birds and butterflies. The vast forest canopy is home to many different species of reptiles as well. Snakes both poisonous and harmless can be seen in the Andaman's.
Monitor lizards too inhabit these islands and the mangrove creeks provide shelter to 'salties' or salt water crocodiles.
Tourists are advised to pay attention to sign boards posted on beaches as well as watch their step if walking through dense jungle or mangrove areas.
31. Other annoyances
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Rickshaws:
A convenient and cheap mode of transport, rickshaws or tuk-tuk's in the Andaman's do not follow any tariff cards or running meter policy. They will charge you whatever they feel like and in many cases their demands can be extremely high especially when you do not speak the language or appear as a tourist. Should you be unlucky to arrive at a time when there is heavy rain or a fuel price hike you can expect to be hit by surcharges as well over and above the high asking price?
It might be wiser to take a pre-paid or fixed fare taxi instead. If settling on a rickshaw then remember to fix the costs before you get into it. Better still, allow us to organise your transfers and simply relax allowing us to take care of everything.
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Availability for ferry Tickets:
Buying a ferry ticket in the Andaman's is not an easy task. Demand for tickets is always greater than the number of seats available. There is no internet reservation system in place and tickets are issued on a first-come first-serve basis. Long, never ending queues and people pushing and jumping the queue add to the problem.
In absolute peak season the situation is worse given the sheer number of tourists coming in. Organising a ferry ticket for your return leg for example from Havelock to Port Blair, is not easier either. Long queues are eminent and boring waits are in order.
Allow us to organise your transfers and simply relax allowing us to take care of everything. We do not guarantee that we will at all times get you a ferry ticket, but can assure you that we will do our absolute best to buy them, once you have booked the transfers with us. Although very rare, it is possible that despite our best efforts we are unable to get a ticket for you. However given our experience in this department and our Company staff, our chances of getting the ticket are a lot better than the one you have when you arrive and stand in queue last minute.
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Dog Menace:
Some islands unfortunately have a dog problem. Projects do try and get all the stray dogs castrated and sterilized, however the success rate has been minimal. During the day they generally don't do much other than bark or follow you along the beach hoping for some food. At nights though, they do like to gang up in the villages and on the beach. We advise all travellers to carry a stick to scare off any dogs.
In addition, please DO NOT FEED any dogs as this will only encourage them. We understand that you feel sorry for them, but feeding them for the short duration that you are on the island will leave them in a worse situation when you leave, making them more aggressive to an unsuspecting tourist.